These inborn errors of primary bile acid synthesis are rare autosomal recessive cholestatic disorders, leading to inadequate synthesis (or complete absence) of the primary bile acids and resulting in the build-up of atypical and hepatotoxic bile acid intermediates.52
The combined prevalence of 3β-HSD and Δ4-3-oxoR deficiencies is estimated to be 1.13 cases per 10 million.52 Unless patients are treated, chronic liver disease usually progresses to cirrhosis and liver failure before adulthood.52
Diagnosis
3β-HSD or Δ4-3-oxoR deficiency should be suspected in cases of:52
- Cholestasis with normal serum GGT activity
- Chronic cholestasis or liver disease of unknown aetiology
- Malabsorption not related to pancreatic or digestive disease (steatorrhoea, fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies)
- Liver cirrhosis in infancy or neonatal liver failure
- A family history of cholestasis or liver failure and consanguinity
Absence of pruritus, normal serum-GGT activity, and normal or low total serum primary bile acid concentration are common diagnostic features, but specific diagnosis is based on mass spectrometry analysis of urinary bile acids showing typical bile acid profiles with confirmation by gene sequencing.52
52. Jahnel J, Zöhrer E, Fischler B, et al. Attempt to determine the prevalence of two inborn errors of primary bile acid synthesis: results of a European survey. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2017;64:864-8.
Those requiring urgent treatment:
Biliary atresia
